By Zuko Komisa

- The Free State High Court has delayed the trial of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester and his co-accused to 2027.
- The delay allows legal counsel to resolve pre-existing commitments before trial proceedings begin on 19 April 2027.
- Accused on bail face forfeiture and arrest if they fail to appear in person when the court reconvenes.
The trial involving convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester and his eight co-accused has been delayed once again, with the Free State High Court establishing a new trial window for mid-2027.
Bester, alongside his former partner Dr Nandipha Magudumana and her father Zolile Sekeleni, faces charges linked to his daring 2022 escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre.
Bester allegedly staged his own death in a cell fire by substituting his body with the charred remains of Katlego Bereng.
Appearing virtually during Friday’s court proceedings, Bester was instructed to change after initially wearing a branded white T-shirt.
Despite recurring technical disruptions, the court proceeded as the State and defence teams mutually agreed to defer the trial date, ensuring prior legal commitments involving counsel could be resolved without conflict.
In setting the new timeline, Judge Mareena Opperman issued a stern warning regarding attendance protocols for the upcoming proceedings:
“All the accused that are out on bail, should you not be in court on the 19th of April at 9:30, the court may cancel your bail. The appearances for accused number 1 and 7 for the trial, it will be in person.”
Judge Opperman subsequently reserved a trial window spanning from 19 April to 18 June 2027.
In the interim, Bester is pursuing separate legal action against the Department of Correctional Services over his alleged mistreatment in prison, claims which correctional authorities continue to deny.
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